Larry Straub, Chairman and CEO of the company announced the expansion as well as an expected completion date of August 2013 earlier this month, Straub noted “Our goal is to be up and operational by Sept. 1st of 2013. Our customers and employees in this market have had to work with a somewhat outdated and constrained facility, their patience is about to be rewarded with one of the largest dealership facilities in the U.S.” Straub pointed out that this facility will boast enough indoor showroom space to display the largest tractors, sprayers and combines that Case IH manufactures as well as a large selection of small tractors, balers and replacement parts.
Straub International expects significant growth potential in each of their seven markets in the coming decade. “Facility expansions will likely be in the plans for other stores as well. The growth of the industry and our place in it has been phenomenal and we are very optimistic about the future of agriculture in this region” Straub continued, “that it is the support of the customers in the market and the dedication of the employees that is making this facility a reality.” Wichita store manager, Alan Dold added “in the next few years we expect to add additional employees in the market as a result of this expansion, probably double the size of our current employment level… we are excited about the additional services and product offerings for our customers as a result”.
Ron Straub, President of the company, will oversee the Wichita expansion project working with Smith Construction Company; he pointed out the significance of the Wichita market to the agricultural landscape, “Wichita is well known for many industries, however its position and importance as a national agricultural trade center is widely acknowledged and that is why we are making one of our most sizeable investments in this market”. The new building will be located at 3200 May Street in Southwest Wichita.